Ergot Update

Ergot bodies have the same general shape as the seed but are larger, purple to black in color, and hard. They are caused by a fungus which replaces individual seeds or kernels on the head of the plant. Although it is most common in rye, ergot also infects triticale, wheat, barley, oats, and grasses such as wheat grass, quack grass, smooth brome, wild rye and blue grasses. Ergot is most prevalent during wet seasons and may be present in greater concentrations near the edge of a field than in the center.

Ergotized seed may cause serious problems for animals when consumed in either forage or grain. Ergot causes two types of poisoning.  One form causes convulsions, staggering, muscle spasms of the hind legs and sometimes temporary paralysis. This form of ergotism is usually found in sheep, horses, and carnivores but seldom in cattle.

The second, or gangrenous, form of ergotism causes lameness that may be followed by the loss of the end of the tail, ears and perhaps hooves.  Loss of these parts is due to gangrene caused by impaired circulation and reduced blood supply to the body's extremities. This form of ergotism occurs in cattle and pigs. It may take 2 weeks to 3 months for symptoms to develop. In the meantime, rate of gain, milk production, and reproduction will suffer. Sows fed ergot generally have their litter but no milk.

It appears that up to 12 different alkaloids are involved in ergot poisoning. These alkaloids vary in toxicity. Therefore, ergot bodies will vary in toxicity depending on the amount and type of alkaloid they contain.  No practical test has been devised to determine the toxicity of ergot samples.

Grain containing more than 0.1% ergot (10 ergot bodies per litre of grain) should not be fed to livestock. If more ergot is present, contaminated grain should be mixed with clean grain to reduce the concentration. In general, keep the ergot concentration as low as possible for all animals.  Grain infected with any amount of ergot should never be fed to pregnant or lactating animals. Research indicates poultry can tolerate higher levels of ergot than other livestock.  Growing or laying rations have shown no ill effects up to 0.3% of the ration.

Ergot bodies have the same general shape as the seed but are larger, purple to black in color, and hard. They are caused by a fungus which replaces individual seeds or kernels on the head of the plant. Although it is most common in rye, ergot also infects triticale, wheat, barley, oats, and grasses such as wheat grass, quack grass, smooth brome, wild rye and blue grasses. Ergot is most prevalent during wet seasons and may be present in greater concentrations near the edge of a field than in the center.

Ergotized seed may cause serious problems for animals when consumed in either forage or grain. Ergot causes two types of poisoning.  One form causes convulsions, staggering, muscle spasms of the hind legs and sometimes temporary paralysis. This form of ergotism is usually found in sheep, horses, and carnivores but seldom in cattle.

The second, or gangrenous, form of ergotism causes lameness that may be followed by the loss of the end of the tail, ears and perhaps hooves.  Loss of these parts is due to gangrene caused by impaired circulation and reduced blood supply to the body's extremities. This form of ergotism occurs in cattle and pigs. It may take 2 weeks to 3 months for symptoms to develop. In the meantime, rate of gain, milk production, and reproduction will suffer. Sows fed ergot generally have their litter but no milk.

It appears that up to 12 different alkaloids are involved in ergot poisoning. These alkaloids vary in toxicity. Therefore, ergot bodies will vary in toxicity depending on the amount and type of alkaloid they contain.  No practical test has been devised to determine the toxicity of ergot samples.

Grain containing more than 0.1% ergot (10 ergot bodies per litre of grain) should not be fed to livestock. If more ergot is present, contaminated grain should be mixed with clean grain to reduce the concentration. In general, keep the ergot concentration as low as possible for all animals.  Grain infected with any amount of ergot should never be fed to pregnant or lactating animals. Research indicates poultry can tolerate higher levels of ergot than other livestock.  Growing or laying rations have shown no ill effects up to 0.3% of the ration.

Prepared by:

Karen Dupchak
Farm Production Extension - Animal Nutritionist
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Livestock Knowledge Centre
204-545 University Crescent
Winnipeg, MB  R3T 5S6
Phone: 204-945-7668